Robinson to head lineup for Crown Street Jazz Festival

Tad Robinson

Greencastle bluesman Tad Robinson will headline the annual Crown Street Jazz Festival on Sunday, Sept. 27.

The Jazz Festival is returning to its roots in the backyard at the Crown Street Community Center, 605 Crown St., for Sunday's 1-6 p.m. fundraiser to benefit the Family Youth Community Development Program (FYCDP). Last year the festival was staged as part of Airport Appreciation Days.

But the jazz festival is back in the South End and will showcase local musical talent. Tickets are $10 each.

In addition to Blues Music Award-nominated singer-songwriter Robinson, who performs around the world and across our streets, the lineup will feature the Harry Maginity-led Convergence group, Steve St. Pierre's Blues Side Up combo, Rockology students and Chris Wurster.

Gates open at noon with performances starting at 1 p.m. and continuing until 6.

Wurster is expected to open the show at 1 p.m. with performances to follow in order (basically on the hour) by Rockology, Blues Side Up, Convergence and Robinson.

The event will also feature a beer and wine garden, as well as food from Smokehouse BBQ and Bert and Betty's desserts. A 50/50 drawing is also planned.

For advance tickets sales and information, persons may contact Bob Hershberger at 720-9461 or Charlie Miles at 653-9503.

All the money raised during the annual Crown Street Jazz Festival will go directly to programming and building renovation. The festival traditionally has been the only fundraiser to help support FYCDP programs at the Dr. Robert G. Bottoms Crown Street Community Center.

This is a crucial year for the FYCDP as it faces major repairs to the Community Center. In addition to the building renovation, organizers also want to sustain current programing and start new programs.

Major renovation projects being planned include:

-- A new roof, estimated at $6,000.

-- New flooring, $3,000.

-- New cabinets/counter, $3,500.

-- Restroom upgrades, $2,000.

-- Furniture, $1,500.

-- Technology, $750.

-- Kitchen disposal, $150.

-- Electrical work, $100.